J Johnson Lecture E
Surgical-Patient Study - Random Control-Group, Longitudinal Design
The selection of surgical patients provided an opportunity to examine not only the long-term effect of sensory information, but also to compare its effectiveness with another type of preparatory information, namely, exercise instruction.
The patients – all scheduled for elective cholecystectomy at a large
metropolitan hospital – were divided into six groups: 
- The first group received only general information and the usual care given
- The second group received only procedural information
- The third, only sensory information
- The fourth, only exercise instruction
- The fifth heard both exercise instruction and procedural information
- The six heard both exercise instruction and sensory information
Exercise instruction, given at the bedside, included deep breathing, coughing, leg exercises, turning in bed, and getting out of bed. A book illustrating the exercises was available to the patients, and the research nurses assisted the patients in practicing the activities until mastery was achieved.
Think about the variety of surgeries there are today and and the different types of sensory and exercise information each would require. In the text box below type in the scientific rationale that would support doing the descriptive research studies that would be needed to determine the specific information need for each surgery. Why shouldn't there just be one set of general sensory procedure information to give?
Hint: Johnson's Theory: "Discrepancy between expected and experienced physical sensations (what is felt seen, heard, tasted, and smelled) during a threatening experience will result in distress."
When finished, continue reading about the Surgical Study.
